McKeon will not seek re-election in 2014. He is retiring at the end of his current term.[3] McKeon cited partisan gridlock as a factor in his decision to retire. He said, "What you have is a real problem in trying to get things together, in trying to get things to happen." However, the primary reason for his retirement is that House term limits would have prevented him from staying on as Chairman of the Armed Services Committee. He stated, "I don’t want to be around here second guessing a chairman. I just don’t want to do that. And I don’t want people making comparisons."[4]

Based on analysis of multiple outside rankings, McKeon is an average Republican member of Congress, meaning he will vote with the Republican Party on the majority of bills.

Biography

McKeon was born in Los Angeles, California. He earned his B.S. from Brigham Young University in 1985.[5]

Career

Below is an abbreviated outline of McKeon's academic, professional and political career:[6]

Issues

Legislative actions

113th Congress

The second session of the 113th Congress enacted into law 114 out of the 3,036 introduced bills (3.8 percent). Comparatively, the 112th Congress had 4.2 percent of introduced bills enacted into law in the second session.[9] For more information pertaining to McKeon's voting record in the 113th Congress, please see the below sections.[10]

National security

NDAA

McKeon voted for HR 1960 - the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2014. The bill passed the House on June 14, 2013, with a vote of 315 - 108. Both parties were somewhat divided on the vote.[11]

DHS Appropriations

McKeon voted for HR 2217 - the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act of 2014. The bill passed the House on June 6, 2013, with a vote of 245 - 182 that was largely along party lines.[12]

CISPA (2013)

McKeon voted for HR 624 - the CISPA (2013). The bill passed the House on April 18, 2013, with a vote of 288 - 127. The bill would allow federal intelligence agencies to share cybersecurity intelligence and information with private entities and utilities. The bill was largely supported by Republicans, but divided the Democratic Party.[13]

Economy

Farm bill

On January 29, 2014, the U.S. House approved the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013, H.R. 2642, also known as the Farm Bill.[14] The bill passed by a vote of 251-166. The nearly 1,000-page bill reformed and continued various programs of the Department of Agriculture through 2018. The $1 trillion bill expanded crop insurance for farmers by $7 billion over the next decade and created new subsidies for rice and peanut growers that would kick in when prices drop.[15][16] However, cuts to the food stamp program cut an average of $90 per month for 1.7 million people in 15 states.[16] McKeon voted with 161 other Republicanrepresentatives in favor of the bill.

2014 Budget

On January 15, 2014, the Republican-run House approved H.R. 3547, a $1.1 trillion spending bill to fund the government through September 30, 2014.[17][18] The House voted 359-67 for the 1,582 page bill, with 64 Republicans and three Democrats voting against the bill.[18] The omnibus package included 12 annual spending bills to fund federal operations.[19] It included a 1 percent increase in the paychecks of federal workers and military personnel, a $1 billion increase in Head Start funding for early childhood education, reduced funding to the Internal Revenue Service and the Environmental Protection Agency and protected the Affordable Care Act from any drastic cuts. McKeon voted with the majority of the Republican party in favor of the bill.[17]

Government shutdown

On September 30, 2013, the House passed a final stopgap spending bill before the shutdown went into effect. The bill included a one-year delay of the Affordable Care Act's individual mandate and would have also stripped the bill of federal subsidies for congressional members and staff. It passed through the House with a vote of 228-201.[20] At 1 a.m. on October 1, 2013, one hour after the shutdown officially began, the House voted to move forward with going to a conference. In short order, Sen. Harry Reid rejected the call to conference.[21] McKeon voted for the stopgap spending bill that would have delayed the individual mandate.[22]

The shutdown finally ended on October 16, 2013, when the House took a vote on HR 2775 after it was approved by the Senate. The bill to reopen the government lifted the $16.7 trillion debt limit and funded the government through January 15, 2014. Federal employees also received retroactive pay for the shutdown period. The only concession made by Senate Democrats was to require income verification for Obamacare subsidies.[23] The House passed the legislation shortly after the Senate, by a vote of 285-144, with all 144 votes against the legislation coming from Republican members. McKeon voted for HR 2775.[24]

Federal Pay Adjustment Act

McKeon voted for HR 273 - Eliminates the 2013 Statutory Pay Adjustment for Federal Employees. The bill passed the House on February 15, 2013, with a vote of 261 - 154. The bill would prevent a 0.5% pay increase for all federal workers from taking effect, saving the federal government $11 billion over 10 years.[25]

Immigration

Morton Memos Prohibition

McKeon voted for House Amendment 136 - Prohibits the Enforcement of the Immigration Executive Order. The amendment was adopted by the House on June 6, 2013, with a vote of 224 - 201. The purpose of the amendment as stated on the official text is to "prohibit the use of funds to finalize, implement, administer, or enforce the Morton Memos." These memos would have granted administrative amnesty to certain illegal aliens residing in the United States.[26] The vote largely followed party lines.[27]

Healthcare

Healthcare Reform Rules

McKeon voted for House Amendment 450 - Requires Congressional Approval for Any Rules Under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. The amendment was adopted by the House on August 2, 2013, with a vote of 227-185. The amendment requires that all changes to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act be approved by Congress before taking effect. The vote was largely along party lines.[28]

Social issues

Abortion

McKeon voted for HR 1797 - Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act. The resolution passed the House on June 18, 2013, with a vote of 228 - 196 that largely followed party lines. The purpose of the bill is to ban abortions that would take place 20 or more weeks after fertilization.[29]

Previous congressional sessions

Fiscal Cliff

McKeon voted for the fiscal cliff compromise bill, which made permanent most of the Bush tax cuts originally passed in 2001 and 2003 while also raising tax rates on the highest income levels. He was 1 of 85 Republicans that voted in favor of the bill. The bill was passed in the House by a 257 - 167 vote on January 1, 2013.[30]

Campaign themes

2012

Excerpt: "Getting Americans back to work needs to be a top priority in Washington. California has been one of the hardest hit states during this Great Recession. California’s unemployment rate continues to be well over 11 percent, and nationally unemployment has been at or above 8 percent for 38 consecutive months- the longest such stretch of unemployment since the Great Depression. I am fighting to get the people of California`s 25th District back to work."

Restoring a strong American economy

Excerpt: " The American people deserve a fair, simple and competitive tax code, and the American taxpayer deserves transparency and accountability in how their hard-earned tax dollars are spent."

Educating our future generation of leaders

Excerpt: " The education of our children is one of the most important investments we can make to ensure a bright future for our country. As the global marketplace becomes more competitive, it is imperative that we lay the foundation for a more skilled and educated workforce. This requires that we ensure our children receive the best education that is available to them."

Ensuring a strong national defense

Excerpt: "In Congress I am currently the Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, where I lead the charge to protect our country’s national security and provide for our troops. I believe a robust national defense is key to the long term success of our country. I wholeheartedly believe in President Reagan’s philosophy of “Peace through Strength.”"

Implementing an all-of-the-above energy investment

Excerpt: "With gas and energy prices continuing to rise, it is imperative we must address our nation’s failing energy policies. Americans need affordable, clean, safe, and abundant energy supplies, and our national security depends on alleviating our dependence on foreign oil. More than ever, we must be focused on increasing our energy independence."

Controversies

Wife salary from campaign

McKeon currently pays his wife, Patricia McKeon, a $78,000/year salary from his campaign committee. As a congressman he is prohibited from personally profiting from his campaign contributions. However there is no such prohibition against a spouse receiving such payments. Congressman McKeon states that "Patricia gets paid by the campaign as a senior staff member for handling multiple critical elements."[33] Since 2007 she has received over $264,000, including a bonus of $4,600 in January of 2007. The payments made from the campaign to Patricia McKeon over this time period were the highest among congressional representatives who paid family members.[34]

Countrywide VIP Loan

Mckeon was named in a January 2012 Wall Street Journal article as having potentially received favorable terms on a 1999 home loan from Countrywide because of his position in congress.[35] Under congressional rules this could be determined to be a gift and therefore illegal. His campaign committee accepted donations from Countrywide PAC,[36] the political action committee of Countrywide, totaling $3,500[37] and an additional $13,500[38] to a PAC, 21st Century PAC controlled by the McKeons.[39]

In a response to news inquiries about his knowledge of the loan discounts McKeon stated, "If I had known we had got a good deal then I would have gotten all my loans from Countrywide."[40]

Full history

To view the full congressional electoral history for Buck McKeon, click [show] to expand the section.

2010

On November 2, 2010, Buck McKeon won re-election to the United States House. He defeated Jackie Conaway (D) in the general election.[43]

U.S. House, California District 25 General Election, 2010

Party

Candidate

Vote %

Votes

Republican

Buck McKeonincumbent

61.8%

118,308

Democratic

Jackie Conaway

38.2%

73,028

Total Votes

191,336

2008

On November 4, 2008, Buck McKeon won re-election to the United States House. He defeated Jackie Conaway (D) in the general election.[44]

U.S. House, California District 25 General Election, 2008

Party

Candidate

Vote %

Votes

Republican

Buck McKeonincumbent

57.7%

144,660

Democratic

Jackie Conaway

42.3%

105,929

Total Votes

250,589

2006

On November 7, 2006, Buck McKeon won re-election to the United States House. He defeated Robert Rodriguez (D) and David Erickson (L) in the general election.[45]

U.S. House, California District 25 General Election, 2006

Party

Candidate

Vote %

Votes

Republican

Buck McKeonincumbent

60%

93,987

Democratic

Robert Rodriguez

35.7%

55,913

Libertarian

David Erickson

4.4%

6,873

Total Votes

156,773

2004

On November 2, 2004, Buck McKeon won re-election to the United States House. He defeated Fred Willoughby (D) in the general election.[46]

U.S. House, California District 25 General Election, 2004

Party

Candidate

Vote %

Votes

Republican

Buck McKeonincumbent

64.4%

145,575

Democratic

Fred Willoughby

35.6%

80,395

Total Votes

225,970

2002

On November 5, 2002, Buck McKeon won re-election to the United States House. He defeated Bob Conaway (D) and Frank Consolo, Jr. (L) in the general election.[47]

U.S. House, California District 25 General Election, 2002

Party

Candidate

Vote %

Votes

Republican

Buck McKeonincumbent

65%

80,775

Democratic

Bob Conaway

31.1%

38,674

Libertarian

Frank Consolo, Jr.

3.9%

4,887

Total Votes

124,336

2000

On November 7, 2000, Buck McKeon won re-election to the United States House. He defeated Sid Gold (D), Bruce Acker (L) and Mews Small (Natural Law) in the general election.[48]

U.S. House, California District 25 General Election, 2000

Party

Candidate

Vote %

Votes

Republican

Buck McKeonincumbent

62.2%

138,628

Democratic

Sid Gold

33.2%

73,921

Libertarian

Bruce Acker

3.2%

7,219

Natural Law

Mews Small

1.4%

3,010

Total Votes

222,778

1998

On November 3, 1998, Buck McKeon won re-election to the United States House. He defeated Bruce Acker (L) in the general election.[49]

U.S. House, California District 25 General Election, 1998

Party

Candidate

Vote %

Votes

Republican

Buck McKeonincumbent

74.7%

114,013

Libertarian

Bruce Acker

25.3%

38,669

Total Votes

152,682

1996

On November 5, 1996, Buck McKeon won re-election to the United States House. He defeated Diane Trautman (D), Bruce Acker (L) and Justin Charles Gerber (P&F) in the general election.[50]

U.S. House, California District 25 General Election, 1996

Party

Candidate

Vote %

Votes

Republican

Buck McKeonincumbent

62.4%

122,428

Democratic

Diane Trautman

33.2%

65,089

Libertarian

Bruce Acker

3.1%

6,173

Peace and Freedom

Justin Charles Gerber

1.3%

2,513

Total Votes

196,203

1994

On November 8, 1994, Buck McKeon won re-election to the United States House. He defeated James Gilmartin (D) and Devin Cutler (L) in the general election.[51]

U.S. House, California District 25 General Election, 1994

Party

Candidate

Vote %

Votes

Republican

Buck McKeonincumbent

64.9%

110,301

Democratic

James Gilmartin

31.4%

53,445

Libertarian

Devin Cutler

3.7%

6,205

N/A

Write-in

0%

20

Total Votes

169,971

1992

On November 3, 1992, Buck McKeon won election to the United States House. He defeated James Gilmartin (D), Rick Pamplin (I), Peggy Christensen (L), Charles Wilken (G) and Nancy Lawrence (P&F) in the general election.[52]

U.S. House, California District 25 General Election, 1992

Party

Candidate

Vote %

Votes

Republican

Buck McKeon

51.9%

113,611

Democratic

James Gilmartin

33%

72,233

Independent

Rick Pamplin

6.4%

13,930

Libertarian

Peggy Christensen

3.2%

6,932

Green

Charles Wilken

3.2%

6,919

Peace and Freedom

Nancy Lawrence

2.3%

5,090

Total Votes

218,715

Campaign donors

Comprehensive donor information for McKeon is available dating back to 2000. Based on available campaign finance records, McKeon raised a total of $8,070,934 during that time period. This information was last updated on March 22, 2013.[53]

Defense contractors

According to a July 2013 Politico report, McKeon made the top 10 list of Hill members receiving defense industry contributions. As of July 2013, McKeon had received more than $47,000 from top defense firms.[58]

2012

Breakdown of the source of McKeon's campaign funds before the 2012 election.

McKeon won re-election to the U.S. House in 2012. During that election cycle, McKeon's campaign committee raised a total of $1,980,079 and spent $1,769,400.[59] This is more than the average $1.5 million spent by House winners in 2012.[60]

Lifetime voting record

According to the website GovTrack, McKeon missed 335 of 13,520 roll call votes from January 1993 to March 2013. This amounts to 2.5%, which is worse than the median of 2.2% among current congressional representatives as of March 2013.[64]

Congressional staff salaries

The website Legistorm compiles staff salary information for members of Congress. McKeon paid his congressional staff a total of $986,789 in 2011. He ranked 62nd on the list of the highest paid Republican representative staff salaries and ranked 191st overall of the highest paid representative staff salaries in 2011. Overall, California ranked 5th in average salary for representative staff. The average U.S. House of Representatives congressional staff was paid $954,912.20 in fiscal year 2011.[65]

Net worth

Based on congressional financial disclosure forms and calculations made available by OpenSecrets.org, McKeon's net worth as of 2012 was estimated between $52,005 and $171,000. That averages to $111,502, which is lower than the average net worth of Republican representatives in 2012 of $7,614,097.96. McKeon ranked as the 378th most wealthy representative in 2012.[66]

Buck McKeon Yearly Net Worth

Year

Average Net Worth

2012

$111,502

The data used to calculate changes in net worth may include changes resulting from assets gained through marriage, inheritance, changes in family estates and/or trusts, changes in family business ownership and many other variables unrelated to a member's behavior in Congress.